Weingarten Restaurant reopens

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

By Lindsay Reed

Jaeger table
Democrat Photo/Lindsay Reed
Community members who visit Weingarten Restaurant north of Washburn could have the opportunity to dine at the Jaeger table, which features a special display dedicated to Herman Jaeger. According to Frank England, restaurant owner, Jaeger received the Cross of of Merite Award and was knighted by the Parisian government after he sent 17 boxcar loads of grafted grape vines to Europe from America to help wineries combat a vine disease that nearly destroyed wine production in France. Jaeger can be credited with the first generation of French American hybrid wine grapes, said England.

After closing over 30 years ago, Weingarten Restaurant, located north of Washburn, once again began offering authentic German cuisine and spirits last Friday night.

"We had the winery here so we thought we would start selling bratwurst with our wine," said Frank England, Weingarten Restaurant owner. "We eased into the restaurant, but we got where we would have 100 people go through the place in an evening."

England said that in the past most of the restaurant's customers came from Bella Vista, Ark. When the restaurant reopened last week, England said he was pleasantly surprised to have reservations from many Cassville residents.

"We decided to add steak to our menu because Cassville doesn't have a steak house anymore," said England. "Presently, we are serving U.S. Prime or close to it."

Brenda Wells, who formerly served as Weingarten Restaurant's head chef, has returned to her post at the restaurant.

"That was the reason we closed in 1980," said England. "My cook left town and moved to New Orleans, La. We knew it would be too difficult to replace her."

Weingarten Restaurant will offer a variety of German dishes, steak, a trout entree, shrimp and a chicken entree.

German cuisine
Democrat Photo/Lindsay Reed
Weingarten Restaurant, located on Highway 37 north of Washburn, offers authentic German cuisine. The restaurant, which can serve 40 diners, also serves steak, shrimp and chicken entrees. In addition to indoor seating, Weingarten Restaurant offers a large patio area, pictured above. The restaurant is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

German dishes on the menu included Roladin, a six-ounce round steak seasoned and rolled up around a dill pickle, bratwurst with red cabbage and German potato salad, Jaeger Schnitzel, a smoked pork chop, and ham hock and beans with cornbread made from real cornmeal.

The restaurant will also offer apple streusel and cheesecake desserts.

During the restaurant's early days, England served wine made at the winery located near the eatery. The wine list included four varieties that took home gold medals at the Missouri state competition.

Today, Weingarten Restaurant will serve wine shipped in from Augusta, Texas. The restaurant will also offer German beer.

"We are the only local restaurant that offers German food and steak," said England. "Reservations are not required, but we would love to know you're coming so we can have our wait staff ready."

The restaurant can serve 40 customers. The business also offers an outdoor patio that seats 20 people. The patio area features a fire pit for cool evenings.

England said the restaurant will be open through the first week in November. Hours could be extended through the end of November if customers are interested. In the past, the restaurant closed during the winter months.

Weingarten Restaurant is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is located at 24568 State Highway 37 north of Washburn.

England and his wife, Elaine, live in Overland Park, Kan., but England will be available to serve wine at the restaurant each weekend.